Yoakum school district officials say the timing is right for a $50 million school bond issue that will build two gymnasiums, multiple classrooms and a science lab.

Superintendent Tom Kelley said the district's tax base has tripled during the past three years, and the district will likely be classified as a Chapter 41 "wealthy" school district - meaning it will have to share some of that newfound wealth with poorer school districts in the state.

"With the anticipation of continued growth in our tax base and to take advantage of the current property wealth status, the board elected to initiate a full project with a single bond election not to exceed $50 million," Kelley said.

If approved by voters, the bond would pay for additions and renovations to all five campuses, Kelley said.

He said the financial impact on taxpayers is not determined because the ballot question gives the district permission to issue up to $50 million in bonds. However, the district may decide to issue fewer bonds, he said.

Projects in the district include a new high school and junior high competition gymnasiums, multiple new classrooms, a physical education/multipurpose classroom, science labs, a new junior high band hall, a new vocational building, intermediate library and three cafeteria additions.

Proposed projects also include renovations to bus loading zones, sidewalks and covered walkways.